Almaty, its biggest city, may have ceded capital status to its flashy young rival, Astana, but it remains the country’s cultural and financial centre, and custodian of the Kazakh soul. Spectacularly set beneath the snow-capped peaks of the imperious Zailysky-Alatau mountains, it’s a relaxed, pleasantly green city of fancy malls and fountains, black-windowed SUVs and broad, busy boulevards. It’s the sophisticated, modern hub of a booming petro-economy for sure, but one with enough surprises to make Almaty a highlight of any visit to Kazakhstan.
1. You can get a taste of life on the Silk Road – There’s no better introduction to Kazakhstan’s multifaceted ethnic patchwork than the bustling Green Bazaar market hall, where traders from across Central Asia and as far afield as Korea gather to hawk their wares. Fresh produce is abundant: the foothills around Almaty lay strong claim to be the ancestral home of the apple (the city’s name literally means “father of the apple”) and the fruit here can grow to giant proportions.
2. The ski slopes are fit for royalty – Barely half an hour’s drive from the city, the ski resort of Shymbulak hit the headlines in 2014 when Prince Harry took then girlfriend Cressida Bonas for a spin on the slopes. The resort is unexpectedly ritzy, and the skiing among the best in Central Asia. Almaty’s chilly, sunny winters guaranteeing cold, crisp snow well into April and invariably good conditions.
At any time of year, it’s well worth escaping the city smog to ride the 4km series of ski lifts, with their fetching leopard-print cabins (in homage to the seldom-seen snow leopards that still roam these mountains), up to the 3180-metre Talgar Pass. Various rocky hiking trails lead up into the surrounding peaks, snow-capped even in summer, and the views are spectacular.
3. You can visit the world’s second tallest wooden building – Flattened by earthquakes more than once, Almaty is not a city awash with historic buildings. Standing proudly defiant in leafy Panfilov Park, one dazzling exception is the Cathedral of the Holy Ascension – a confection of pastel-hued gables, brightly painted tiles and gilded domes – that rises almost 60m and was built without a single nail. A magnificent gilt altarpiece dominates the opulent interior, where (predominantly) women – their heads covered in beautiful scarves – light candles and worship in hushed reverence. It’s a great place to experience Kazakhstan’s refreshingly open attitude to religion: Muslims and Atheists often visit along with their Russian Orthodox friends.
4. There’s some impressive socialist realist art and architecture – A stone’s throw from the Ascension Cathedral, Almaty’s Soviet War Memorial looms dramatically in front of the forbidding bulk of city’s former army headquarters: a powerfully built, jutting-jawed Red Army infantryman leaps, grenade in hand, from a relief of grim-faced soldiers. Oddly this is the city’s prime favoured spot for wedding pictures. For a more nuanced taste of Soviet art, head to the Kasteyev State Arts Museum, undoubtedly the city’s finest. The museum is named after Abilkhan Kasteev, regarded as Kazakhstan’s preeminent painter, and among the vast collection is a fascinating room devoted to his depictions of Soviet life, from epic canvases of the rapidly industrializing landscape to intimate portraits of peasant life.
5. The Russian baths are the finest in Central Asia –Perhaps Almaty’s one truly unmissable experience, the Arasan Baths complex is the most elaborately styled bathhouse in the region, built in the 1980s as a grand statement of late Soviet ambition. Pick up a towel, slippers and conical felt shapka (hat) and leave your modesty behind in the changing room.
There’s a Finnish sauna and a marble Turkish hammam but they’re invariably empty – you’ll find your fellow bathers in the ferociously hot Russian parilka (steam room), vigorously thrashing each other with vyeniki (bundles of oak or birch leaves), a wince-inducing ritual said to improve circulation.
1. Rich Historical Heritage – When you step into Bishkek, you’re not just entering a modern city; you’re stepping into a living history book. Bishkek is a treasure trove of historical wonders that bear witness to the region’s vibrant past. From the ancient Burana Tower, standing tall in the Chuy Valley as a testament to the Silk Road’s legacy, to the enigmatic Stone Rabat, a 10th-century caravanserai nestled amidst the majestic Tien Shan mountains, each historical site in Bishkek holds captivating tales of bygone eras.
2. Cultural Melting Pot – One of the most remarkable aspects of Bishkek is its vibrant cultural diversity. The city stands as a cultural melting pot, where Kyrgyz, Russian, and Soviet influences seamlessly blend, creating a unique tapestry of traditions, languages, and cuisines. Exploring Bishkek’s cultural landscape offers a fascinating journey through time, witnessing how each influence has shaped the city’s identity.
3. Warm Hospitality – In Bishkek, hospitality is not just a gesture; it’s a way of life. The warm and welcoming nature of the locals is sure to make you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re exploring the bazaars, dining at a local eatery, or seeking directions from a passerby, the people of Bishkek are always ready to lend a helping hand with a smile.
4. Scenic Beauty – Nestled amidst the majestic Tien Shan mountains and graced by the serene waters of Issyk-Kul Lake, Bishkek offers a visual feast of natural beauty. The surrounding landscapes provide a stunning backdrop to the city, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and awe-inspiring views at every turn.
5. Thriving Bazaars – To truly immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Bishkek’s culture, a visit to its thriving bazaars is a must. Osh Bazaar, one of the city’s largest and most renowned markets, is a bustling hub where you can experience the pulse of local life. Here, colorful stalls are laden with an array of traditional goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts and spices.
Nature – I hope I will live to the day when the word ‘Tajikistan’ will be used as a synonym for ‘mountains’ by tour companies, because it is literally covered with them. You see mountains almost everywhere: even along the skyline of Dushanbe itself. For a hiker, climber and other adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts, Tajikistan has a host of exciting activities on offer, be it trekking, kayaking, 4×4 driving, mountain climbing and more.
Cities – Dushanbe, Khujand and Khorog might not resonate in tourists’ minds as much as London, Paris or Madrid, but there are unique and charming characteristics to many of our Tajik cities. You can always find museums, opera shows and theatres, but you can also discover traditional chai-honas (teahouses), Qalas (castles), and beautifully designed mosques and holy sanctuaries.
Traditions – Tajik culture is in many ways influenced by its varied past. But as an example, the popular sport of buzkashi is claimed to have originated here, and visitors should definitely take time to watch a match while they are here (it doesn’t get more dramatic than one moment being part of a watching crowd and the next scattering in all directions as the horses and players suddenly start charging towards you). There is a lot of regional variety in terms of handicrafts and traditional artwork; Pamiri socks and Panjikent suzanis are popular gifts and souvenirs for relatives back home.
Food – This one is tricky. I have met some people who love Tajik cuisine and others who did not get along with it. If you are in the first group, you can enjoy dishes as varied as plov (similar to Persian pilaf), the ubiquitous shashlik and qurutob (a dish that consists of layered crispy bread, yoghurt, tomatoes and onion and sometimes meat). I personally think that Tajiks prefer flavour over spiciness, but every household has its preferences so fiery dishes are still easy to come by.
Visa – Tourist VISA
Transport – SIC (Seat in Coach)
Meals – As per mentioned in itinerary
Tour Guide – English speaking tour guide
Airport Transfer – Return Airport Transfers on Private basis
Follow the footsteps of the ancient traders on the legendary Silk Road traversing 4 countries – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Tajikistan. Witness the Silk Road cities as they transform from ancient trade centers to modern metropolises and relive the compelling history of the Central Asian steppes.
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